Charlie Fellowes thinks big with Chiefofchiefs

Charlie Fellowes has big targets on both the turf and all-weather in mind for Chiefofchiefs.

Last Updated: 13/01/19 10:45am

Trainer Charlie Fellowes

Charlie Fellowes has big targets on both the turf and all-weather in mind for Chiefofchiefs, starting with an outing in the Betway Winter Derby Trial at Lingfield.

The Newmarket trainer has earmarked the mile-and-a-quarter Listed prize on February 2, which is an all-weather championships fast-track qualifier, as the next race for his six-year-old after he made a winning return to action at Kempton.

Fellowes said: "Chiefofchiefs is a very talented horse, but he has always been one of those you have got to ride patiently - and he does need a lot of luck.

"I think we've worked out now that he likes the all-weather - and he will go to the Winter Derby Trial, with the Middle Distance final on Good Friday at the back of our mind because he has won over a mile and quarter before.

"If we have to take on Wissahickon in it, then so be it, but I think my fellow is good and I think the better the company he is against the better he is.

"I also think he would be ideal for the Lincoln, because he likes cut in the ground, so a mile on soft ground is ideal.

"The perfect plan would be the Winter Derby Trial, Winter Derby, the Lincoln and then back to Lingfield for finals day on Good Friday."

An outing in the traditional curtain raiser to the turf season at Town Moor is also on the cards for stablemate Escalator on his return from a spell racing in Dubai.

Fellowes said: "He will have a couple more runs in Dubai, then head for the Lincoln.